Lobethal will play Nairne in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) for the second consecutive season following their upset five-wicket win at Langhorne Creek in the Preliminary Final yesterday. Lobethal were missing several players, including skipper Mitch Weeks and opening batsman Ben Matthews, but it didn’t deter them from making it through to another date with the Razorbacks in the decider. Langhorne Creek won the toss and decided to bat first and posted a competitive total of 9/183 from their 45 overs. Brodie O’Dea (45), Brayden Frost (34), Ben Warren (30) and Jaspa Tonkin (24) were the leading lights with the bat for the home side. All five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Matt Martin (2/33), Matt Jenkin (2/33), Lachlan Elsworthy (2/46) and Dave Huxter (2/50) being the multiple wicket takers. Lobethal started the run chase well with Sam Graeber (49) and Sam Martin (28) putting on 75 for the first wicket before Martin was dismissed in the 21st over. After Graeber was dismissed, Lachy Bates (48) and Matt Martin (23) put on 56 runs for the third wicket to bring their side within sight of victory. Acting captain Dillon King duly brought up the winning runs in the 43rd over as the northern Tigers won with 12 balls to spare. Warren (2/41) was the sole multiple wicket taker for Langhorne Creek. Saturday’s Grand Final at Nairne will be a rematch of the 2020/21 decider which was won by the Razorbacks. Nairne will be looking for their 16th ‘A’ grade title in AEHCA ranks, while Lobethal are searching for their first title since coming over from the Torrens Valley Cricket Association in 2011/12.‘A’ Grade Grand FinalNairne v Lobethal (Nairne @ 12.30pm)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationPreliminary FinalGoolwa 4-6-40 defeated Myponga Sellicks 2-3-35 Grand Final (Saturday 19 March)Inman Valley v Goolwa (Inman Valley @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationPreliminary FinalMcLaren Flat Blue 4-4-33 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-20Grand Final (Saturday 19 March)John Wesley v McLaren Flat Blue (John Wesley @ 8.30am)

Reigning premier Nairne are through to their 11th Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final in 14 seasons, following their comprehensive nine-wicket win over Langhorne Creek in the Qualifying Final at Nairne yesterday. In an ominous sign for whoever they play next week, the Razorbacks are a perfect 10-0 in grand finals since the 2008-09 season! Yesterday, Langhorne Creek batted first and they got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 6/26 with Brodie O’Dea (17) the only top-six batsman to reach double figures. The damage was done by the trio of Mitch Hein (3/17), Jarrad Tait (3/20) and Brodie Clarke (1/19). Brayden Frost (27), Tom Whittlesea (16) and Troy Blackwell (14) helped to add some respectability to the ‘Creeks’ total before they were bowled out in the 37th over for just 101. Chad Harrop (2/16) and Matt Hein (1/23) were the other wicket takers for Nairne. The reigning premier got off to a solid start in the run chase as James Graves (26) and Robert Crook added 40 runs for the first wicket before Graves was dismissed in the 16th over by Ben Warren (1/12). This brought the hard-hitting Tait to the crease and he and Crook wasted no time as they added 66 runs from just 45 balls with the winning runs coming up in the 23rd over. Crook finished with 43 not out (70 balls), while Tait made 29 not out (20 balls) and brought the winning runs up with a six off the bowling of James Dawson. Lobethal are through to today’s Preliminary Final following their hard-fought four-wicket win against Woodside in the Elimination Final at Lobethal Oval yesterday. Woodside batted first and posted a competitive total of 153 before being bowled out in the 45th over. Tommy Baldock (33), Sam Pullen (29) and Dave Wescombe (20) were the leading lights with the bat for the Warriors. All seven Tigers bowlers took wickets with Dave Huxter (3/22) and Matt Martin (2/41) the multiple wicket takers. Lobethal started the run chase in solid fashion with a 30-run opening stand between Mitch Weeks (11) and Ben Matthews. Lachy Bates (15) then joined Matthews to add 36 runs for the second wicket as Lobethal slowly got on top. Four quick wickets to the Warriors reduced Lobethal to 5/83 and it was the visitors in the ascendancy. Matt Martin came in at the fall of the fifth wicket and formed a very important alliance with Matthews to add 50 runs for the sixth wicket before Matthews was dismissed for a fine 72 from 128 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Lobethal still required 21 runs from 34 balls when Matthews departed, but Martin (27 not out) and Matt Jenkin (13 not out) saw their side over the line with seven balls and four wickets to spare. Harrison Reid (2/31), Nick Johns jnr (1/17), Chris Baschiera (1/22) and Jordan Vette (1/24) were the wicket takers for Woodside.Langhorne Creek will host Lobethal in today’s (12.30pm) Preliminary Final with the winner to play Nairne in the Grand Final next week. A full match report of this game will be on the Fleurieu App tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)On a cool night, Strathalbyn came up against Hahndorf in the late game on Friday night. Strath were fielding first and did well with Hahndorf only making one safe hit to Zoe Young before an out at first, catcher Britt Jackson taking a catch, and left fielder Emily Eglitis also taking a catch ending the innings scoreless. Strathalbyn came in to bat and had a hit to Kathryn “Buttsy” Milne and a walk to Jackson but they could not work their way around and get home with Hahndorf’s shortstop Megan Williams fielding and making two outs at first and third baser Michelle Davis also making an out at first to end the innings.Hahndorf came in for their second turn at bat and had safe hits to Williams, Rylee Zobel and Davis and got two runners home with Strath’s second baser Milne taking a catch, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Tessa Norris to Jackson and a pick off at second by Jackson throwing to shortstop Crystal Karayiannis for the tag sending them from the diamond. The second batting dig for Strath got more batters onto base with walks to Kelly Roe and Sasha Penglase, a bunt to Tash Mayes and a hit to the out field from Tiahna Mayes but an out at first, an out at second of the lead runner and a catch taken by Davis ended the innings.The third dig for Hahndorf was three up three down with Strath’s pitcher Norris fielding and throwing to Roe at first, a catch by Karayiannis and another to Eglitis making the three outs to hold them without adding to the score. Strath’s third batting dig gained walks for Norris and Karayiannis with Norris stealing two bases and then being brought home by a hit to Eglitis for the only run of the innings with Hahndorf’s Williams taking a catch, an out at first and a catch in the outfield taken by Young.Hahndorf’s fourth turn at bat was also three up three down with another catch to Eglitis, an out at first made by third baser Tash Mayes and the third out a catch to centre fielder Penglase. Strath needed to add to their run tally and after gaining a walk and being moved around the diamond by a line drive to right field by Tiahna Mayes, a hit by Penglase and a walk to Jackson with loaded bases Tash Mayes made it home before two K2’s and an out at first ended the innings.The fifth batting dig for Hahndorf had safe hits to Peyton Daniels, Davis, Chloe Davis and a three baser to Tahlia Larosa to bring home five runs with Strath making another out at first and two K2’s to end the innings. Strath came in for their last chance to bat for the game but could not get runners on to base to bring anyone home with Hahndorf making an out at first and two K2’s to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Hahndorf 7 to Strathalbyn 2.Hills Softball Association ‘B/C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn (C) v Redsox (B))In the last game of the minor round Strathalbyn were up to bat first against the Redsox B grade side and started with a walk to Casey Taylor but she couldn’t get any further with the next three batters all out with K2’s to Redsox pitcher/catcher Leah Farrell to Brittany Cavuoto. Redsox came in to bat and had safe hits to Cavuoto, Jackie Megson and Amy Golder which helped bring one run home before Strath’s shortstop Stacey Jamieson took a catch and left fielder Taylor took two to end the innings.Strath’s batters worked hard at the plate with Jamieson and Amy Roker getting onto base with Redsox making another K2, an out at second and a catch taken by Golder at third to send them from the diamond scoreless. Multiple safe hits including a two baser to Farrell helped Redsox bring in seven runs before Strath’s catcher Rebekah Mayes took a catch, Taylor took another catch at left field and Jamieson worked with third baser Jess Rumble to make the third out to end the innings.Strath again worked hard at the plate facing a fast pitcher and again Taylor got a walk, Heidi Samuel had a safe hit to the outfield and Rebecca Sims had a safe hit but they could not convert to runs with another two K2’s and an out at second. Redsox brought in an extra four runs with three base hits to Emma Ernst and Kerri Hardy pushing runners around with Strath’s pitcher Sims fielding and throwing to Roker at first for the out and Sims also taking a catch and quickly throwing to first again to catch the base runner short of their ground for the double play.The fourth dig for Strathalbyn produced hits to Clare Foley, Jamieson, Roker and Taylor but they were unable to convert with the B grade skill of picking off the lead runner leading to an out at second and home and a catch to Farrell ended the innings scoreless. Redsox started their fourth batting dig with Rumble taking a catch at third before they could make safe hits to J. Megson, Glenys Megson, K. Hardy, Tayla Hardy and another two baser to Farrell bringing in a further four runs before a catch taken by Jamieson and one by Foley at second sent them from the diamond.The Panthers came in for their final turn at bat and faced a new pitcher but started with an out at first, followed by a walk to Rumble and a home run to Sims which brought them both home, Foley gaining a walk and being moved around by a safe hit to Jamieson and then brought home by a two baser to Kelly Townsend before Jamieson was picked off at home on the throw in for the third out. Time and game were called with Redsox B’s coming out on top 16 to Strathalbyn 3.

Meadows have made their way through to an incredible 16th Hills Cricket Association (HCA) Grand Final in the past 19 seasons following a 38-run win against reigning premier Mount Lofty at Meadows Oval yesterday. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first as the ‘old firm’ of Haydn Reid and Luke Tonkin came out to open the batting. This pair did a great job for the Bulldogs as they reached 0/89 (20) at the drinks break. Tonkin (43) was eventually dismissed in the 23rd over with the score at 103. Haydn Reid continued on to top score with 61 (80 balls), while Oscar Tydeman made a handy 20 not out (27 balls), with the Bulldogs finishing with 7/185 from their 40 overs. Adam Carthew (3/35) was the standout bowler for Mount Lofty. Meadows got off to a good start in the field with the dangerous Jack Sandercock removed for a first-ball duck before Josh Healey and Carthew steadied the innings with an important 78-run stand for the second wicket before Healey went for 49 (58 balls). He was followed not long after by Carthew who was dismissed for 44 (63 balls), with both wickets falling to Brad Louch (2/38). From then on, Meadows got right on top as the Redcaps lost their last 8/48 to be bowled out in the 39th over for 147. Veteran Chad Dawe continued his excellent season with 3/9 (4.1), while Rohan Reid (2/24) and Anthony Hughes (2/30) chimed in with a couple of wickets each. Stirling are through to next Saturday’s Preliminary Final following their hard fought 18-run win over Aldgate at Aldgate Oval. Stirling are chasing their first ‘A’ grade premiership since the 1993/94 season and will take on reigning premier Mount Lofty on Saturday for the right to challenge Meadows for the flag. Stirling skipper Jack Pick won the toss and decided to bat first with Jack Read (36) and Daniel Gonzalez (36) adding 71 for the first wicket. Pick (29), Harrison Webb (27) and Myles Collins (23) all made handy contributions as the Eagles posted 8/182 from their 40 overs. Five Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Matt Lennon capturing 4/26 (6). The ‘Gaters’ got off to a fast start as Mitch Thomas and Josh Callaghan raced to 0/29 off the first three overs. Stirling opening bowler Chris Shaw (4/32), who went for 12 runs off his first over, hit back hard with three quick wickets, removing Thomas (24), Callaghan (2) and Will Quigley-Smith (5) to leave Aldgate in strife at 3/35. Luke Smet (4) was next to go as Aldgate were deep in the mire at 4/43. Frank Clements was joined by Angas Wauchope and this pair resurrected the innings with a 55-run fifth wicket stand before Wauchope was dismissed by Charlie Fryer (3/32) for 14. Fryer then took the huge wicket of Aldgate skipper Jake Turnbull (7) followed by the prized wicket of Clements, which turned the game back in Stirling’s favour. Clements top scored with 60 (80 balls). Wickets continued to fall as Aldgate were bowled out for 164 in the 38th over. Daniel Parfitt (2/32) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Eagles.Preliminary Final (Saturday 19 March @ 1.00pm)Mount Lofty v Stirling (Heathfield)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Preliminary Final resultsGoolwa Black 62 defeated McLaren Vale 60Grand Final (Saturday 19 March @ Encounter Bay - 1.15pm)Willunga v Goolwa Black

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Grand FinalMcLaren Vale 57 defeated Goolwa Black 52Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 2Grand FinalEncounter Bay 66 defeated Milang 55Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 3Grand FinalStrathalbyn Red 51 defeated Clarendon 41

Langhorne Creek booked themselves a Qualifying Final spot with their convincing 102-run win against minor premier Nairne during round 18 action at Nairne in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The two teams will lock horns again on Saturday for the right to play in the 2021/22 Grand Final. Langhorne Creek batted first on Saturday and got off to a good start as Brodie O’Dea (39) and Daniel Kropp (29) put on 54 runs for the first wicket. James Dawson added a handy 19 (64 balls) but the innings belonged to Ben Warren. Warren was back to his best as he made his third half century of the season with a hard-hitting 92 not out from 59 balls (8 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) as the visitors posted 7/212 from their 45 overs. It was tough going for the Razorbacks bowling attack with Chad Harrop the standout with 4/33 (7), while Jarrad Tait bowled tightly to finish with 1/24 (9). Nairne started well with a 43-run opening stand between Robert Crook (32) and James Graves (8) before the Tigers took over to take seven wickets for just 26 runs as the home side slumped to 7/69. Brodie Clarke (20) and Harrop (19) tried to add some respectability to the scorecard before the Razorbacks were eventually bowled out in the 36th over for 110. All six Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with Warren completing a fine all-round game with 3/13 (5). Dawson (2/4) and Tom Whittlesea (2/27) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Lobethal booked themselves a home Elimination Final against local rival Woodside with a convincing nine-wicket win against Hahndorf at Summit Sport & Recreation Park in Mount Barker on Saturday. Hahndorf batted first and was rolled for just 56 in the 22nd over. Michael Shanahan (13) was the only Hahndorf batsman to reach double figures. Matt Martin continued his excellent season with career-best figures of 5/16 (9). It was Martin’s second five-wicket haul in a row and he finished the minor round with 39 wickets at 7.90 to take out the AEHCA bowling aggregate and average awards. Dave Huxter (2/1) and Matthew Weeks (2/33) chimed in with a couple of wickets each. Lobethal wasted no time in knocking off the runs in the ninth over as Weeks (29) and Ben Matthews (23 not out) added 55 for the first wicket. Brayden Hopgood (1/11) was the sole wicket taker for the Magpies. Strathalbyn finished their season in style with a comfortable 92-run win at home against finals-bound Woodside. The Stallions won 10 games but missed out on finals action for the second consecutive season. Former skipper Mark Abbott led the way for Strathalbyn as he and veteran Steve Schofield put on 152 runs for the third wicket. Abbott finished on 90 (129 balls) to give him 542 runs at 45.17 for the season and saw him take out the AEHCA batting aggregate and average awards. Schofield made his highest score of the season with 68 from 90 balls as Strathalbyn finished with a very competitive total of 8/217 from their 45 overs. Shane Collins was the best of the Woodside bowlers with 3/25 from his nine-over spell. Jeremy Druwitt (2/51) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Warriors. Woodside were never in the run chase with veteran Matthew Johnston (33) and Shane Collins (25) the only Warriors batsmen to reach 20. Four ‘Strath’ bowlers took wickets with Ben Cousins (4/32), Jack Roberts (2/17) and Brayden Gaiter (2/20) the chief destroyers. Macclesfield travelled to Callington and came away with a 42-run victory over Bremer/Callington to win their fifth game of the season and finish in sixth spot on the AEHCA ladder. ‘Maccy’ acquitted themselves well in their return to ‘A’ grade ranks after a 16-year absence and they will look forward to 2022/23 with great anticipation. The Redbacks batted first with Tom Filsell (41), David Caddle (37), Josh Lewis-Burns (35) and Lachlan Barrett (29) helping their side to a competitive total of 8/172 from their 45 overs. Chris Schilling was the best of the Cobras bowlers with 2/23 (9). Bremer/Callington got off to a reasonable start with Ajay Pundir (15) and Alex Durbidge (13) putting on 28 for the first wicket before a collapse of 5/2 left the home side reeling at 5/30. Schilling continued his good day as he hit a quickfire 41 (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and Dion Rehn battled hard for 19, but the damage was done as the Cobras were bowled out for 130 in the 31st over. Connor Moore was the star for the Redbacks with his best figures of the season, 5/28 (8.1). Barrett (2/31) and Joe Lions (2/41) were the other multiple wicket takers.Ladder (after round 18)Nairne 56, Langhorne Creek 52, Lobethal 48, Woodside 44, Strathalbyn 40, Macclesfield 20, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12.Elimination FinalLobethal v Woodside (Saturday 12.30pm @ Lobethal)Qualifying FinalNairne v Langhorne Creek (Saturday 12.30pm @ Nairne)Preliminary FinalLoser Qualifying Final v Winner Elimination Final (Sunday 12.30pm @ TBC)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsInman Valley 3-4-43 defeated Goolwa 3-4-36Myponga Sellicks 5-6-44 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-22Preliminary FinalGoolwa v Myponga Sellicks (Goolwa @ 1.00pm Saturday)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsJohn Wesley 4-4-32 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 2-2-21McLaren Flat Gold 4-4-29 defeated Macclesfield 2-2-20Preliminary FinalMcLaren Flat Blue v McLaren Flat Gold (McLaren Flat @ 8.30am Saturday)

Willunga are through to the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade Grand Final following their comfortable seven-wicket win against Noarlunga at Port Elliot yesterday. It’s the fifth season in a row that Willunga have qualified for the decider. Noarlunga won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat first and they got themselves into a good position at 1/56 with skipper Jason Scarff (27) and Ian Inwood (24) adding 47 runs for the second wicket. From that moment on it was all Willunga as they claimed the last nine Noarlunga wickets for 67 runs to see the Shoes bowled out in the 59th over for 123. Leg-spinner Simon Roberts did most of the damage as he took the last six wickets on his way to figures of 6/31 (17.2). He was well supported by Luke Goldner (2/20), Luke Harding (1/13) and Sean McIvor (1/30). Matthew Spaan top scored for Noarlunga with a fighting knock of 28 not out. Willunga negotiated the 11 overs before stumps to finish at 0/17 with Harding and Dane McPhail at the crease. The Shoes removed Harding (18) early on day two, but Rhys Allard and McPhail dug in to put on 57 for the second wicket before McPhail went for a patient 21 (111 balls). Allard continued on to finish with 70 not out (96 balls), his highest score of the season, as the reigning premier got the runs three wickets down. Harry Jackson (1/12), Travis Bronstein (1/20) and Matty Ray (1/27) were the wicket takers for Noarlunga.Goolwa made their way through to the Preliminary Final as they eliminated Encounter Bay with a convincing seven-wicket victory on the first day of their clash at Old Noarlunga Oval. Encounter Bay won the toss but that was as good as it got for them as they were rolled for just 51. Sam Hoffmann (12) was the only batsman to reach double figures on a disappointing day for the Bays. The Goolwa bowlers were relentless with Josh Jones (3/15), Jayden Crees (3/18), James Lawrence (2/3) and Andy Evans (2/9) sharing the 10 wickets and bowling an amazing 26 maidens in 46 overs. There were 23 overs left on day one and the Magpies were keen to get the job done and have Sunday off, as they knocked off the runs with an over to spare. Evans completed a good day for him personally as he top scored with 19 not out. Cam Lintern (2/17) and Blake Bailey (1/20) were the wicket takers for Encounter Bay. Preliminary Final (12th & 13th March)Noarlunga v Goolwa (Port Elliot)

Meadows claimed their seventh consecutive minor premiership following a thrilling tie with Mount Lofty at Heathfield during round 18 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. The two teams, who played off in the 2020/21 Grand Final, will meet again at Meadows this Saturday in the ‘double chance’ semi final. Mount Lofty batted first and lost opener Josh Healey (3) early, before Adam Carthew and Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (16) added 37 runs for the second wicket. Hard-hitting Jack Sandercock hit a quickfire 18 (12 balls), while Carthew continued on to top score with 32 (73 balls). A handy 26-run ninth-wicket stand between Dave Bennett (14 not out) and James Kittel-Neill (11 not out) lifted the home side to 8/132 at the end of their 40 overs. Rohan Reid (2/16) and Brad Louch (2/20) were the best of the Meadows bowlers. The Redcaps started brilliantly with the ball as Meadows collapsed to 6/46 and Mount Lofty had one hand on the minor premiership and home ground advantage in the finals. Veteran Dave Bennett was on fire as he took 3/9 from his eight overs, while Peter Giannes bowled a very restrictive opening spell of 0/9 (8). Enter Chad Dawe for the Bulldogs and as has happened so often throughout his career, Dawe changed the game in favour of his side. He found a willing ally in Marko Kovac as this pair added 69 runs for the seventh wicket before Kovac went for 25 (48 balls). The game, and the minor premiership, came down to Meadows needing five runs from the last over which was to be bowled by Carthew (2/36). The first ball of the over was a no-ball as there were too many fielders outside the fielding restriction circle. The subsequent ‘free-hit’ wasn’t scored off and then Louch (1) was run-out to leave Meadows needing one run to tie with two balls remaining to clinch top spot. Tom Bevan-Giles and Dawe ran a bye to the ‘keeper and then Dawe was dismissed on the last ball of the game to leave the game tied. Dawe was the star for Meadows with 61 from just 38 balls. His innings contained no boundaries but he hit an amazing seven sixes!“It was a very good game of Cricket,” Meadows skipper Rohan Reid said. “A lot of our games this season have been close and gone down to the last few overs. It was great to come out with a tie, given the position we were in, to maintain top spot and win the minor premiership. The competition is very tight and anyone in the top four can win the premiership.”Kangarilla finished their season on a high with an upset five-wicket win against Aldgate at Kangarilla on Saturday. Aldgate batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they slumped to 8/83 before skipper Jake Turnbull (31 not out) and Matt Lennon (13 not out) put on 27 runs for the ninth wicket to lift the ‘Gaters’ to 8/110 from their 40 overs. Frank Clements (14) was the only other Aldgate batsman to reach double figures. Ryan Grimmond (2/12), Jack Evans (2/17) and Che Martinsen (2/25) were the multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. ‘Kangies’ had to work hard to reach the modest target, but they got there in the 40th over for the loss of five wickets. Lachlan Knight anchored the innings with a patient 39 (99 balls). He was ably supported by Ben Ryan (20) and Cam Venter (16 not out). Turnbull was the standout Aldgate bowler with miserly figures of 2/8 (8). The ‘Gaters’ now take on arch-rival Stirling in a knockout semi-final this Saturday, while Kangarilla finished fifth after a promising first half of the season.Uraidla finished their season strongly with a comfortable 46-run win over finals-bound Stirling at Stirling Oval. The visitors batted first and posted a competitive 5/175 from their 40 overs. Ty Watson, in just his second game for the Demons, top scored with 57 (80 balls), and he got good support from Israel Symington (40), Alex Heptinstall (38) and Peter Wilson (22). Veteran Eagles fast bowler Chris Shaw was the standout performer with 4/43 (8), his best figures of the season. Stirling started the run chase in disastrous fashion as they were sitting precariously at 2/2. Daniel Gonzalez (44) and Kosta Sinodinos (22) put on 60 runs for the third wicket to get their side back in the contest. Harrison Webb added 26 (29 balls) but the home side lost 6/27 to be bowled out for 129 in the 37th over. Simon Parker (3/17) and Renzo Gaetan (3/21) did the damage with the ball for Uraidla.Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) finished their season in style with a four-wicket win at Bridgewater to bring up their fifth win of the campaign. The Raiders batted first and struggled their way to 108 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Chris Murray (32) and Caleb Risson (25) were the only Bridgewater batsmen to pass 20. Five SCIB bowlers took wickets with Beau Thomas (3/30), Daniel Desengo (2/18) and Andy Adams (2/18) leading the way. Scott Creek Ironbank were in all sorts of trouble as they slipped to 6/68 in the 29th over. ‘Big Ben’ McGowan then took over as he smashed 42 not out from just 26 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as he and Daniel Key (3 not out) saw their side over the line with 25 balls to spare. Bridgewater skipper Justin Summerill was his side's best bowler with 2/24 from eight overs. Ladder (after round 18)Meadows 78, Mount Lofty 75, Aldgate 72, Stirling 69, Kangarilla 63, Uraidla 30, Scott Creek Ironbank 30, Bridgewater 15.Semi-Final FixturesMeadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)Aldgate v Stirling (Aldgate)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Semi-Final resultsWillunga 53 defeated McLaren Vale 51 Goolwa Black 69 defeated Strathabyn 46Preliminary Final (Saturday 12 March @ Yankalilla - 1.15pm)McLaren Vale v Goolwa Black

Woodside confirmed their spot in the finals with an upset 36-run win over minor premier Nairne during round 17 action at Woodside in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The Warriors batted first and got off to a good start with a 41-run opening partnership between Brad Collins (32) and Tommy Baldock (27). Dave Wescombe (39) and Sam Pullen (17) made handy contributions but the innings stalled towards the end as Woodside finished on 9/152 from their 45 overs. Matt Hein (4/27), Jacob Sadler (2/27) and Chad Harrop (2/38) led the way with the ball for the Razorbacks. Nairne also got off to a good start with Robert Crook (27) and James Graves (22) putting on 43 runs for the first wicket but it was all Woodside from there on with only Shane Kenney (20) putting up any resistance. Nairne were eventually bowled out for 116 in the 41st over. Jordan Vette, who had only bowled seven overs for the season before Saturday, was the star with the ball for the Warriors with 5/12 from six overs. Harrison Reid (2/22) and Jeremy Druwitt (2/26) were the other wicket takers.Langhorne Creek celebrated their past players day in style with a four-wicket victory over local rival Strathalbyn on Saturday. The win keeps the ‘Creeks’ in second position on the ladder and puts paid to Strathalbyn’s finals hopes for the second consecutive season. ‘Strath’ batted first and it was hard work against a disciplined Tigers attack as the visitors posted 8/133 from their 45 overs with Ben Cousins (36 not out), Luke Cousins (27) and Mark Abbott (19) the leading run scorers. Ben Warren (2/10), Dan Cleggett (2/18) and Troy Blackwell (2/27) were the chief wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. It was the ‘Brodie O’Dea Show’ during the Tigers’ run chase with the opener hitting his highest score of the season with 87 from 81 balls (13 x 4’s). Daniel Kropp (10) and Joel Cross (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as the home side passed the target in the 29th over. Tim Dellatorre (2/25), Brayden Gaiter (2/49), Ben Cousins (1/20) and Matt Harris (1/23) were the Stallions’ wicket takers. Lobethal ensured their spot in the finals following their comprehensive seven-wicket win against Bremer/Callington at Lobethal on Saturday. The visitors batted first and their recent batting woes continued as they were bowled out for just 87. Skipper Jai McMurtrie (29), Nathan Fitzgerald (15) and Chris Schilling (10) were the only Cobras batsmen to reach double figures. Matt Martin continued his excellent season for Lobethal as he claimed his first 'A' grade five-wicket haul with 5/23 from nine overs. Martin has taken 34 wickets at an average of just 8.59 in 2021/22. The Tigers wasted no time in knocking off the runs as they took just 12.1 overs to claim their 11th victory of the season. Lachie Bates (33 not out) and Daniel Norsworthy (26) led the way with the bat for the home side. Macclesfield won their fourth game of the season with a convincing seven-wicket win at home against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first and struggled their way to 107 before being bowled out in the 41st over. Michael Shanahan (19), Lachlan Huxtable (18), Tim Knappstein (17 not out) made handy contributions, but none of the Magpies batsman went on to a big score. Five Redbacks bowlers took wickets with Tom Malzard (3/22), Luke Jones (2/11), Lachie Barrett (2/12) and Kieran O’Connell (2/20) leading the way. Tom Filsell (41) and Barrett (25 not out) were the top scorers for ‘Maccy’ in the run chase as the home side reached the victory target in the 38th over. Shanahan (1/5), Michael Harden (1/19) and Sam Hayden (1/25) were the wicket takers for Hahndorf. Ladder (after round 17)Nairne 56, Langhorne Creek 48, Woodside 44, Lobethal 44, Strathalbyn 36, Macclesfield 16, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12.Round 18 fixture (home team named first)Hahndorf v LobethalStrathalbyn v WoodsideNairne v Langhorne CreekBremer/Callington v Macclesfield

Mount Lofty kept their minor premiership hopes alive with a comfortable six-wicket win against Stirling at Heathfield Oval yesterday in round 17 of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). Mount Lofty take on Meadows in the final round next Saturday with the winner to get the coveted ‘double chance’ semi-final at home. Yesterday at Heathfield, Stirling batted first and it was tough going as the Eagles were bowled out in the 39th over for 139. Pete Fryer top scored with 40 from 43 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6) and he was supported by Daniel Gonzalez (19) and Myles Collins (19). Five Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Adam Carthew (2/15), Peter Giannes (2/21) and Dave Bennett (2/32) leading the way. Mount Lofty got off to a steady start as the opening pair of Josh Healey and Adam Carthew put on 38 runs for the first wicket in 12 overs before Carthew was removed for 13 (31 balls). Healey was joined by his skipper Jordan Neis-Beer and this pair set after the target with a 47-run stand until Healey went for 49 (69 balls). Neis-Beer continued on to score 34 not out (80 balls) and he got solid support from Aaron Smith (16) and veteran Leith Dawes (16 not out) as the winning runs came up in the 38th over. Charlie Fryer (1/15), Kosta Sinodinos (1/18), Dan Parfitt (1/23) and Jack Read (1/25) were the wicket takers for Stirling.Aldgate kept themselves in the running for the double chance with a five-wicket win over Bridgewater at Aldgate Oval. The Raiders won the toss and decided to bat first and they were in all sorts of trouble as they slumped to 8/68 with Jackson Hooper (26) the only top order batsman to reach 20. Caleb Risson (23) and Finn Sullivan-Llewellyn then joined forces in a face-saving 44-run stand for the ninth wicket before Sullivan-Llewellyn added a further 42 runs for the 10th wicket with Nathan Sachse (12 not out) as Bridgewater reached 154. Sullivan-Llewellyn went on to top score with 34 from 54 balls (5 x 4’s). Jake Turnbull was the pick of the Aldgate bowlers with 3/17 (8) and he was well supported by Frank Clements (2/21), Matty Hansen (2/24) and Luke Smet (2/38). Aldgate were relatively untroubled in the run chase as Josh Callaghan (45), Will Quigley-Smith (45), Smet (20) and Connor Milde (20 not out) all contributed to the innings as the winning runs were brought up in the 39th over. Justin Summerill (2/21), Sullivan-Llewellyn (2/24) and Anthony Jennings (1/28) were the wicket takers for the Raiders.Kangarilla won their ninth game of the season with a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Kangarilla. SCIB won the toss and batted first but were soon reeling at 3/8. Daniel Desengo (14) and Conor Lidstone (10) tried to resurrect the innings but wickets continued to fall as the score was 6/35 when Ben McGowan entered the fray. He smashed a quickfire 32 from 29 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6’s) but ultimately SCIB were bowled out for just 71 in the 32nd over. Five bowlers took wickets for ‘Kangies’ with Che Martinsen (3/7), Steve Featherstone (3/20) and Ryan Grimmond (2/12) leading the way. Kangarilla wasted no time in knocking off the victory target in the 18th over for the loss of just two wickets as Martinsen (40 not out) and Featherstone (19 not out) added 36 for the third wicket. McGowan continued his good day with 2/29 from seven overs. Meadows retained top spot on the HCA ladder with their ninth win in a row, this time by six wickets against Uraidla at Meadows. Uraidla batted first and was bowled out for just 88 in the 37th over. All six Bulldogs bowlers took wickets with Anthony Hughes (2/6), Tom Bevan-Giles (2/12), Will Bevan-Giles (2/16) and Brad Louch (2/19) the chief wicket takers. Meadows were in early trouble as they slipped to 4/27 and the Demons could sense a monumental upset. However, Uraidla’s hopes were dashed as Max Buckley and Marko Kovac combined for an unbroken fifth-wicket stand worth 65 runs. Buckley top scored with 46 not out, while Kovac finished on 18 not out. Ladder (after round 17)Meadows 75, Mount Lofty 72, Aldgate 72, Stirling 69, Kangarilla 57, Uraidla 24, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Bridgewater 15.Round 18 fixture (home team named first)Mount Lofty v MeadowsKangarilla v AldgateStirling v UraidlaBridgewater v Scott Creek Ironbank

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hills Masters - Game 1)Strathalbyn’s first game of the double header against the Hills Heat Masters opened with a hit to the outfield by Masters Kel O’Brien, who stole bases and was brought home by Emilie Noble before Strath could shut them down with a catch at centre field by Kim Cutting, catcher Tessa Norris taking a catch and an out from third baser Britt Jackson fielding and throwing to first to end the innings. Strath’s first batting dig was also short with a safe hit to Norris but she could not move further around the diamond as Masters short stop Hantie Pretorious fielded and played second base, then pitcher O’Brien fielded and picked off the lead runner which was followed by Pretorious again fielding and picking off the lead runner to send Strath from the diamond scoreless.Strath tightened up in the field for Masters second dig and even with safe hits to Kate Adamson and Kirsty Hailstone they were unable to add to their score with Strath’s shortstop Tash Mayes fielding cleanly and making two consecutive tag outs with the second almost making a double play and Jackson fielding well and throwing to first for the third out. Strath again were held scoreless but had safe hits to Mayes, Kelly Roe and a great hit by Casey Taylor in her first A grade game before Masters made a tag out at third, Noble took a catch and then received a throw from Pretorious for the third out.Masters had their batting hats on in the third and had safe hits to most players with two basers to Adamson, O’Brien, Kerry Wilkinson and a three baser to Pretorious which brought home ten runs while Cutting was on fire at centre for Strath taking three catches one of which was a full stretch slide. Strath needed to find good batting and had safe hits to Milne, Jackson and Roe but could not get runners home with an infield fly, a catch taken by third baser Wilkinson and an out at home sending them from the diamond.Some safe hits to Noble, Hailstone and Pretorious and several walks helped Masters push runners around the diamond to bring home a further six runs in their fourth turn at bat with Strathalbyn’s new pitcher Mayes working hard fielding and throwing to Roe now at first for the out, Milne now at third fielding and throwing home for the second and preventing another run and Mayes clutching a low line drive straight back at her feet to end the innings. Strath started their fourth dig well with Taylor getting another safe hit to get on base followed by Norris and Milne pushing them around the diamond to bring them all home for three with Masters making two outs at first and yet another pick off of the lead runner by Pretorious to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Hills Heat Masters 16 to Strathalbyn 3.Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hills Masters - Game 2)In the second game of the double header for Strathalbyn and Hills Heat Masters, the Masters batted first and started their innings with a home run to Emilie Noble and safe hits to Hantie Pretorious, Sharon Perkins, Mis O’Keefe, Deb Hopgood and Lisa Wilson to help bring in five runs before Strath’s third baser Tiahna Mayes fielded well and threw to Kelly Roe at first to make two outs and the third to end the innings was a catch at centre field by Tash Mayes. Strath came in for their first turn at bat and started well with a two baser to Tessa Norris, a home run to Britt Jackson and safe hits to Kim Cutting, Ta Mayes, Roe, Ti Mayes, Casey Taylor and Kathryn Milne to bring nine runners home, while Masters first baser Emilie Noble was on fire receiving a throw from pitcher Lisa Wilson and then taking two catches to send the Panthers from the diamond.In their second batting dig, the Masters did not add to their tally even with safe hits to Pretorious, Perkins and O’Keefe with Strath’s shortstop Jackson combining with second baser Milne for the first out and then fielding and throwing to Roe at first base and again Ta Mayes took a catch at centre to end the innings. Strath again batted well with a three baser to Cutting and safe hits to Roe and Ti Mayes and included some walks to move runners around the diamond to bring home a further seven runs. Masters worked hard in the field with an infield fly, an out at third and an out at first by Noble to finish the innings.Masters came in for their third dig and had safe hits to Jane Wreghitt, Wilson and a two baser to Noble to add one run to their tally before Strath shut them down with a catch taken by pitcher Norris, an infield fly and then a catch taken at second by Milne ending the innings and the game as time was called with Strath finishing in front on the run tally. Final scores were Strathalbyn 16 to Hills Heat Masters 6.

Willunga wrapped up their fifth consecutive minor premiership following their three-wicket win against Noarlunga on Saturday during round 10 action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). Willunga began the day on 3/38, needing just 42 more runs to win but they were soon under pressure, as three quick wickets to the Shoes reduced the Demons to 6/47 with teenagers Harry Jackson and Travis Bronstein causing all the damage. Jackson snared his best ‘A’ grade figures with 4/16 (12), while Bronstein took 2/12 (9). Luke Goldner (14 not out), Simon Roberts (10 not out) and Scott Brown (10) steadied the ship to see Willunga over the line with three wickets in hand. Willunga skipper Luke Harding top scored with 31 (83 balls) and took out the GSCA batting aggregate with 418 runs at an average of 41.80.Goolwa won their fifth game of the season with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale, and in the process wrapped up third spot on the ladder and a date with Encounter Bay in the semi-final. Goolwa resumed on day two needing only 40 runs to take the victory after they bowled the Crushers out for 80 on day one and they wasted no time in reaching the victory target with Josh Jones (31 not out) and Fred Nissen (4 not out) there at the end. Andy Evans was joint top-scorer with 31. Jett Holberton, Stephen Nairn and Tom Daniels were the wicket takers for McLaren Districts. Port Elliot finished their season with a convincing 59-run win over finals-bound Encounter Bay at Port Elliot. The Bloods posted a competitive total of 187 on day one and the Bays started the run chase in disastrous fashion as they slumped to 4/26 early on day two. Max Longhurst (19) provided some resistance before the ‘old firm’ of Cam Lintern (52) and Sam Hoffmann (23) got their side back in the contest with a 57-run partnership before the Bays lost their last 4/9 to be bowled out for 128 in the 53rd over. All six Port Elliot bowlers took wickets with Ben Griffiths the standout. The off-spinner took 4/45 from his 14 overs and he was well supported by Liam Harris with 2/11 (6).The finals series starts on Saturday with Willunga taking on Noarlunga in the ‘double chance' semi-final at Port Elliot. These two sides have shared the past five GSCA ‘A’ grade premierships and the winner this weekend will go straight through to the Grand Final on March 19th and 20th. The other semi-final is a ‘do or die’ affair between Goolwa and Encounter Bay at Noarlunga. The winner will progress to the Preliminary Final, while for the loser it will be season over. Semi-Final fixtures (Saturday 5 March & Sunday 6 March)Willunga v Noarlunga (Port Elliot)Goolwa v Encounter Bay (Noarlunga)Ladder (after round 10)Willunga 54, Noarlunga 45, Goolwa 33, Encounter Bay 28, Port Elliot 24, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 16 resultsBack Valley 4-6-48 defeated Myponga Sellicks 2-3-39Goolwa 5-7-40 defeated Inman Valley 1-3-41Port Elliot 5-7-48 defeated Victor Harbor 1-1-25Ladder (after round 16)Goolwa 92, Inman Valley 88, Myponga Sellicks 66, Port Elliot 54, Back Valley 48, Victor Harbor 20.Semi-Final Fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa v Inman ValleyMyponga Sellicks v Port ElliotOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 13 resultsMacclesfield 3-3-27 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 3-3-26John Wesley 5-5-35 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 1-1-24Langhorne Creek 4-4-31 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-28Ladder (after round 13)John Wesley 81, McLaren Flat Blue 60, McLaren Flat Gold 58, Macclesfield 47, Langhorne Creek 35, Strathalbyn 31.Semi-Final Fixtures (home team named first)John Wesley v McLaren Flat BlueMcLaren Flat Gold v Macclesfield 

The Fleurieu & Districts Junior Cricket Grand Finals were played today with Murray Towns winning the Figg Cup with a convincing seven-wicket victory against Alexandra & Eastern Hills, Hills won the Calaby Shield for the second year in a row following a tight three-wicket win over Alexandra & Eastern Hills, while Kangaroo Island take home the Fuller Shield after defeating Hills by 37 runs.Figg Cup (U/21) - Grand Final @ Strathalbyn OvalMurray Towns 3/91 (Nick Lindner 52 n.o., Keynan Harradine 19 n.o.) defeated Alexandra & Eastern Hills 89 (Jaspa Tonkin 36, Tommy Baldock 31, Jayden Krollig 5/2, Nicholas Neumann 3/14) by seven wickets.Calaby Shield (U/15) - Grand Final @ Callington Oval (#1)Hills 7/86 (Jackson Harrison 21 n.o., Oscar Finnis 16, Liam Kemp 15, Connor Burgess 2/10, Noah Dunn 2/12) defeated Alexandra & Eastern Hills 85 (Harley Barker 18, Mitch Westrych 14, Liam Kemp 2/15, Jay Temme 2/15, George McGowan 2/17) by three wickets.Fuller Shield (U/13) - Grand Final @ Meadows OvalKangaroo Island 7/175 (Tyler Richardson 42, Blaize Whale 40, Cain Florance 25, Tait Florance 24, Harry Bedford 2/18, Thomas Ryan 2/22) defeated Hills 138 (Jude Thomas 31, Thomas Ryan 22, Angus Seears 19, Tait Florance 5/31) by 37 runs.

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 18 resultsStrathalbyn 63 defeated Encounter Bay 53McLaren Vale 57 defeated Goolwa Black 42Port Elliot 53 drew Willunga 53Yankalilla 66 defeated Myponga 47Victor Harbor 90 defeated Goolwa White 33Ladder (after round 18)McLaren Vale 160, Willunga 156, Goolwa Black 116, Strathalbyn 110, Encounter Bay 109, Goolwa White 105, Victor Harbor 103, Port Elliot 103, Yankalilla 64, Myponga 54.Semi-Final fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v WillungaGoolwa Black v Strathalbyn